SENATOR Barnaby Joyce has stepped aside after incumbent MP Bruce Scott confirmed he would stand again for the federal seat of Maranoa in 2013.

Senator Joyce avoided the prospect of a massive preselection battle saying he was stepping aside "not without regret" but it was the right thing to do.

"It is not a sure thing we will win the next election and there can't be any distractions related to personality," Senator Joyce said.

"People will tolerate differences on certain policy issues but they see personality clashes as ill-discipline."

Senator Joyce's announcement came after Mr Scott, 68, said he received very strong support across the electorate to continue. 

"I have received very strong encouragement from constituents, the business community and senior colleagues as we head towards the next must-win Federal election," Mr Scott said. 

"I'm absolutely committed to getting the best for the electorate and will do everything I can for a change in government in Canberra.

Mr Scott said he was keen to make a significant contribution to an Abbott/Truss Government restoring the confidence of Australians in the economic management and direction of our nation.

"I'm a team player of a strong Coalition team and I will spend my time and energy on how we can defeat this dreadful Labor government at the next election," he said.